christopher price

With spring practice sessions in the past and training camp a month away, the 2014 Patriots roster is starting to come into sharper focus. With the understanding that there’s plenty of team-building still to go between now and opening day against the Dolphins in Miami, here’s an absurdly early look at what the 53-man roster might look like on Week 1 of the regular season.

Two notes: One, because he’s set to serve a four-game suspension at the start of the season for a PED violation, cornerback Brandon Browner is not part of this list. When he returns, he obviously will be inserted into the lineup and the Patriots will have to make a corresponding roster move. But for our purposes -- because we believe this is the roster New England will trot out for the opener -- we’re leaving him off this list. And two, we’ve added a "next man up category" for players who would be a logical replacement if someone went down at their position, as well as those who have practice squad eligibility. Players who fall into this category have a decent shot at making the final roster if something happens, but at this point, are on the outside looking in.

Analysis: Some changes here from last year. While they’re different backs, the Patriots fundamentally sub out LeGarrette Blount for James White, the rookie out of Wisconsin who’s more of a Vereen type. Bolden’s spot isn’t necessarily secure -- he could be swapped out for Develin, a Bill Belichick favorite who had a good 2013. Finch is a terrific underdog story who could find a way to stick around if he builds on a good spring session.

Analysis: So much still is up in the air for the Patriots at tight end. There are conflicting reports on Gronkowski’s health, but if he’s not able to go, the Patriots likely would be more inclined to chase after someone like Keller or Finley. Williams has time in the system and had a come-to-Jesus moment as of late, which should help his chances if he’s serious. And Hoomanawanui never will be confused with Gronkowski, but he’s been steady and relatively dependable in his time with the Patriots (as well as versatile enough to play an H-back role), which should be enough for him to land a spot.

Analysis: A good spring likely went a long way toward solidifying a spot for Thompkins. Boyce got banged up a bit at minicamp and certainly can’t afford to miss any time, while Dobson remains out following offseason foot surgery. Gallon was sidelined for a portion of the spring. Despite the fact that he was a seventh-round pick, his resume suggests it would be tough to get him through waivers to the practice squad. That absence could be a precursor to him spending the year on injured reserve.

Analysis: It appeared that Connolly was being pushed a bit by Halapio this spring, while Stork could present a real challenge for Wendell. If the rookies progress as the team hopes, that could mean bad news for Kline. The Patriots would love it if Fleming could become the backup swing tackle, a spot they had issues with at points last year. Cannon’s ability to play both guard and tackle allows him to keep his spot.

Analysis: Jake Bequette is on the outside looking in here, but a good camp might make the Patriots change their minds. Vellano could be the 54th guy -- if someone else slips or one of the interior lineman has an issue this spring, he could return. For what it’s worth, Siliga and Chris Jones aren’t exactly secure in their jobs, especially if Easley progresses through the spring as expected. No one is quite sure what to make of Armstead, who wasn’t on the field for the spring practices the media was allowed to watch, and hasn’t been on the field for the team in a year.

Analysis: The first four are pretty much locked in, but the offseason losses of Brandon Spikes and Dane Fletcher have hurt the depth. The Patriots were able to pick up Anderson, but they need Beauharnais or Fleming to step up this summer and prove to be worthy backups. If not, White and Davis could get a look.

Analysis: As mentioned earlier, we won’t include Browner for purposes of this exercise because he will face a four-game ban to open the season due to a PED violation. Because of Browner’s ban, the Patriots might be more inclined to add another corner through the first quarter of the season -- maybe Swanson is added, or they keep Vellano. When Browner returns, someone else will be pushed off the back end of the roster. Ultimately, Swanson is an undrafted free agent who could nudge his way into the picture, but might be ticketed for the practice squad after a nice spring.

Analysis: This spot is thin -- there will likely be four safeties on the roster at the start of the season. The only question being where do the Patriots make a cut to get another player through. Chung and Wilson are on the bubble at this point, while Thomas’ versatility (he’s played both corner and safety as a collegian) appeals to the team.

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